Charity raises £6,000 in memory of 'inspirational' boy from Cressex

AN ‘inspirational’ young boy who died earlier this year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, always wanted to help others, his family said after they started a charity in his honour.

Ryan Ninan, also known as Kithu, died at the age of seven, in February this year, after being diagnosed with Pontine Glioma 10 months before.

Since Ryan passed away, his family, from Cressex, have attempted to give back to the institutions which helped him by raising money for the Ryan Ninan Children’s Charity.

Ryan’s mother, Asha, said: “Ryan was a very lovely caring boy, when he was quite ill he said to do a football match, to help others.

“We always said that he would be a child psychologist or something like that because he really did like looking after people and helping others, he was inspirational.

“As it was his wish to raise money, we started the charity and have raised as much money as possible to be given to charities here and in India, where people would have to pay for treatment.

“We understand the hurt and sadness of having a child with a brain tumour, or an illness, and having gone through that we want to now help others.”

Since the charity was started in May this year, a charity football tournament has been held in Ryan’s memory while they have also received a number of donations from family and friends.

So far the family has raised £6,000 and £3,576 taken from the football tournament has been distributed to John Radcliffe Hospital’s Kamran Ward, Helen House, Ian Rennie Nurses and a Regional Cancer Center in Kerala, India.

Asha said: “It has been amazing to see so much support shown for Ryan, we are very grateful for all the donations.

“We are not aiming to raise a certain amount of money, but we know every penny really could make a difference, even if it is just for a toy or a gift.”

For more information about Ryan and how to donate, please visit www.rncc.org.uk